Clearing the air on the McNabb trade frenzy

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on March 27, 2010, 11:24 AM EST

Over the past few days, we’ve been sharing and reacting to the many reports regarding the status of Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, a process that was sparked when coach Andy Reid said on Tuesday that other teams are “entertaining us with offers” regarding McNabb. Several of the reports from others in the media are a bit inconsistent, to say the least.

Our only original reporting in this regard focused on the fact that a Rams source privately said there was “no truth” to the report of an imminent trade for McNabb, several hours before G.M. Billy Devaney went on the record with Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and said that the report was in fact “utterly ridiculous” and “absolutely false.” (We also posted an uncorrborated tip that the Raiders were considering an offer of cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha for McNabb and cornerback Asante Samuel; the tip was partially corroborated by Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com.)

Now, we’ve got some more.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Eagles are receiving offers from teams that have not been identified publicly at the request of the teams making the offers. This is happening for two reasons: (1) some of the teams have incumbent starting quarterbacks who would be confused, to say the least, if they learned that McNabb could be joining the club; and (2) none of the teams want fans or the media to know that they are courting McNabb, in the event that they fail to land him.

This doesn’t explain the fact that the Bills, Rams, and Raiders have been named as potential trade partners. According to the source, however, the Eagles have disclosed to no one the names of the teams with whom they are or aren’t talking.

We initially believed that Jeff McLane’s erroneous report that McNabb could be a Ram by the end of the week was the Eagles themselves, who were floating a phony rumor in the hopes of sending a “speak now or forever hold your piece/peace” vibe to other interested teams. Based on our source, McLane apparently had a different source.

It’s possible that McLane’s source was McNabb himself, or agent Fletcher Smith. (McLane’s subsequent report that McNabb prefers playing for the Vikings suggests he has a pipeline into the McNabb camp.) This approach by McNabb would allow him to push the issue to a head without pulling a Jay Cutler and openly demanding a trade.

The McLane report isn’t the only nugget that might not reflect reality. ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio says that no one is willing to offer more than a third-round pick. But as our source pointed out, “Has he talked to every team and have they told him their offer?”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that McNabb told coach Andy Reid that he preferred staying put to joining the Bills or the Raiders, and McNabb’s agent thereafter said that McNabb has said nothing to the team. Though it’s possible that the agent is speaking with a sporked tongue, the discrepancy has largely been ignored.

Finally, the Associated Press reported that the Eagles want the 42nd pick or higher in the 2010 draft. (And, of course, the AP report was taken as gospel truth because the AP has never been wrong.) Said the source, “Does anyone really believe the Eagles would pick such a random number and draw a line in the sand?” We’re told that something higher than this reported threshold already has been offered. The source believes that the “42 or higher” requirement was leaked by one or more other teams in order to frame the value — and possibly to create local pressure on the Eagles, many of whose fans generally are anxious, to say the least, to see McNabb get run out of town.

As we understand it, the Eagles have received a variety of offers, with draft picks only and players only and players and picks. We’re told that the Eagles have never placed an asking price on McNabb. Instead, they’re doing exactly what we reported in early March that they’d do — sitting back and waiting for the offers to come and evaluating them at the appropriate time.

As we also understand it, the Eagles soon will review the proposals and decide whether to pursue any of them.

Though we’ll continue to post reports from other folks who follow the NFL for a living, it’s important to keep this broader context in mind. We’ll try to do so; we encourage you to do the same.

so basically you don’t no Jack!! your just giving us something to talk about.

oaklandx510 says:Mar 27, 2010 11:35 AM

And cleared the air you did…..now follow this report up with a Tim Rattay sighting in St. Louis.

KingJoe! says:Mar 27, 2010 11:35 AM

Fro whatever reason, the Eagles seem to be getting themselves in the same position as the Sixers were when they went to trade Barkley and Iverson and the Phillies Curt Shilling. None of these trades produced any real value in return. In a world where a Chris Pronger at 36 gets trade for 3 first rounders, Philadelphia seems to always end up getting nothing in return for their aging stars. Is this because they try to play the media? Is the fact the fans themselves diminish the value of these aging stars by being so negative towards them? Regardless of the reason, it appears at this point, an aging DT can curry a 1st round pick(when NE is selling) but a Probowl QB who has gone to 5 NFC champhion games in the last ten years, can drum up a 2nd rounder.
The outcome of this analysis draws a conclusion that a number of folks have floated over the years, it is not McNabb that is the problem, it is an overly cautious, micromanaging set of executive who run the team who are the real problem.

Weapon X says:Mar 27, 2010 11:36 AM

Oh please philly fans run McNabb out of town then I can laugh as your franchise flounders for the next three to four years.

litemater says:Mar 27, 2010 11:36 AM

You said this trash would slow down. LIE!@

VaBthang4 says:Mar 27, 2010 11:38 AM

Okay I said this somewhere else but it is definitely needed here.
THE EAGLES DO NOT CONTROL THIS PROCESS….MCNABB DOES.
No team is going to trade for McNabb without an extension or the assurance of an extension. McNabb is not going to give that extension to any team other than the ones that HE wants to play for.
THERE ARE ONLY TWO TEAMS that he’ll play for.
The Bears or the Vikings (No other contenders need him).
ANY AND ALL REPORTS THAT DO NOT INCLUDE THOSE TWO TEAMS ARE ESPN/MEDIA/FLORIO DRIVEN OVERHYPE STORIES MEANT TO GENERATE WEBSITE CLICKS.
-grin-
Bunch of friggin dumptrucks.

What’s the chances that they’ll trade him to Washington?
I know it’s within the division and such, But………It’s been done bofore even though it was almost 50 years ago (Snead for Jurgenson)…

1NationRaiderNation says:Mar 27, 2010 11:44 AM

yawn….. why not just say that you post any bs that you want. I am sure Al Davis would let you the media know what he is doing. Evey think Philly is just trying to unload him and trying to act like there issom actual interest in him.
I could have seen the raider offering possibly a third round pick, but that was about it.
Maybe the eagles poste they wanted 44 or higher is because the best they got so far was a late second or a maybe a third, if they have anything.

SprintPhoneFTW says:Mar 27, 2010 11:45 AM

I love all the rumor mongering. That’s why I come to PFT, instead of all these twats who come here just to rip the reporting.
If you hate Florio and PFT, why the hell are you here?
Every time you click to rip on the site, pennies falls into the bank account and someone from NBC laughs at you. So when you do that, it’s pretty surefire evidence that you’re inbred or you’re the classic hypocrite. Which of these douchers do you want to be???

Fonetik says:Mar 27, 2010 11:48 AM

What does this have to do with Roethlisberger?

Catamount says:Mar 27, 2010 11:56 AM

Whoever gets McNabb—HaaaaHaaaaHaaaa!

ampats says:Mar 27, 2010 12:11 PM

Agree John Spagnola.
VABthang, to your point ever hear of Richard Seymour?

Mooch says:Mar 27, 2010 12:13 PM

It is the 49ers. Only team that makes 100% sense.

laeagle says:Mar 27, 2010 12:17 PM

I love the reports about getting a third rounder or less for him. If they do nothing, they get a third rounder as a compensatory pick. So sure, giving up your starting QB makes a lot of sense for as much as or less than you would get if you did nothing. Way to go on the deep analysis, Sal Pal.

murray22 says:Mar 27, 2010 12:30 PM

The Eagles are facing the same problem moving McNabb as the Packers did with Favre. The Eagles are ready to move on and McNabb has slipped a bit. Like the Packers, the Eagles need to send McNabb to an AFC team, so the trade doesn’t come back to haunt them. The Eagles have the problem of finding an AFC team that wants McNabb, is willing to trade something decent to get McNabb and is willing to sign McNabb to a new contract. That aint easy.
It would be fun to see McNabb as a Viking, just to tick off Favre, but it isn’t going to happen. McNabb would also be a good fit as a Cardinal or a 49er or as a Panther, but that isn’t going to happen for the same reason. If the Eagles are looking to trade McNabb to the AFC, teams that could be in play include Oakland, Denver, Cleveland and Buffalo.

runtheballandy says:Mar 27, 2010 12:33 PM

Shocker, I saw my favortie line of all in the comments, the “Philly fans” are running poor Donovan out of town. I will use small words, because clearly you are not too bright. The EAGLES drafted Kolb, not the fans. The EAGLES have wathced him every day for 3 years to determine whether he can start in the NFL, not the fans. Plus, this team has a lot of holes, and is not a legit title contender this year. This draft is suppose to be very deep, add it all up, and the timing makes sense to move McNabb. The fans have nothing to do with the decision, no matter what the overall opinions may be. Im a season ticket holder, and neither Andy Reid nor Joe Banner has sought my advice on personnell moves. Donovan has had a very good career, and should have a couple good years left. A team that is close (looking at you San Fran) to the playoffs would be foolish not to make at a run at him, and if the Eagles believe in Kolb (and every report suggests that they are), the move fits for all involved.

Hap says:Mar 27, 2010 12:33 PM

Now we are all confused.
Flo. You did it again.
BTW, we all like Flo. He’s such an easy target and we envision him stewing at our disses.

TheWizard says:Mar 27, 2010 12:37 PM

That’s why I come to PFT, instead of all these twats who come here just to rip the reporting.
If you hate Florio and PFT, why the hell are you here?
I’m in the habit of just blipping over those like they’re spam.

louisville says:Mar 27, 2010 12:40 PM

VaBthang…. Did you just say the Bears are a contender??? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

AllThat says:Mar 27, 2010 12:40 PM

Though it’s possible that the agent is speaking with a sporked tongue, the discrepancy has largely been ignored.
Really, a sporked tongue?
Maybe to ViQueens if Favre leaves. If not there, I think he stays….

ICDogg says:Mar 27, 2010 12:45 PM

In all seriousness, this summary is about the best analysis I have seen about what we know and don’t know about the situation, and how we should interpret it.

Mooch says:Mar 27, 2010 12:49 PM

How are the fans running him out of town?
The coach drafted his replacement.
The front office is holding a public auction.
laeagle – the issue is progress, and starting Kolb this year accomplishes the longer term goal of rebuilding and competing in 2 seasons. To hold onto McNabb for a non-competitive season is silly.

psubeerman says:Mar 27, 2010 12:52 PM

Hey, morons. This isn’t about McNabb, it’s about Kolb. Why didn’t they extend McNabb last year? They could have. They didn’t because they didn’t think Kolb wasn’t ready. Every decision they have made regarding McNabb has been with Kolb in mind. If they had thought Kolb was ready last year, McNabb would have been gone. Probably should have been, as his trade value would have been better.
This team is very young. It is no where close to Dallas, Minnesota, or New Orleans. We are probably two or three years from that point. We need to rebuild, especially on the defensive end. I’ll take it one further: trade Sheldon Brown and Asante as well and completely rebuild. By the time this defense gets better, both those players will be too old. Get rid of them now. Get rid of McNabb for whatever you can. Rebuild completely.
We had a good run for the past few years. It’s over. The core of those teams are either cut, too old, injured, retired, or will be traded. It’s time, folks. And I’m looking foward to it.

nodecafe says:Mar 27, 2010 12:56 PM

Slow
News
Day.

Mooch says:Mar 27, 2010 1:02 PM

laeagle – let me put it to you like this…
I have a new Prius I’d like to start using, it’s a better fit for me now because I have a longer commute and it does better on gas than the Hummer I had been driving.
So, while the Hummer in the garage is awesome and I love it – it doesn’t make sense for me to keep it sitting there.
It’s resale value is $15k now. If it sits in the garage covered up for a year, it will still be worth $15k.
And I could use the $15k NOW because my roof is leaking and the heater is about to go.
Keeping it as an asset is silly. I need the value it represents NOW.
And why pay the insurance on it?
So why keep that car sitting in the garage when a far more attractive option is available to me BASED ON MY NEEDS AT THE MOMENT.
This is why teams offer future 1sts for current 2nds.

kaninfaan says:Mar 27, 2010 1:08 PM

“McLane’s subsequent report that McNabb prefers playing for the Vikings suggests he has a pipeline into the McNabb camp”
This is just plain stupid.
This whole debacle might be the effect of an illiterate nation?
Coach Reid, well aware of exactly what he is saying, comments regarding his QB’s that other teams are ; “entertaining us with offers”
Every moron jumps on this because it almost sounds like; “we are entertaining offers”, except it does not mean, nor even imply, the same thing.
And since the McNabb “haters” have always been the most vocal of Donovans fans…
Kevin Kolb is the second coming of Bobby Hoying. Remember where you heard it first.

Dr. Michael says:Mar 27, 2010 1:17 PM

Vabthang-mcNabb does not control the process. A trade is not conitgent ona an extension, especially with the possibility of a lockout. The Eagles can trade him to anyone they want to…in fact, the Bills and the raiders would welcome a one year rental until the labor unrest subsides. Please get your facts staright before you chastize…

fuhgyou says:Mar 27, 2010 1:32 PM

“(McLane’s subsequent report that McNabb prefers playing for the Vikings suggests he has a pipeline into the McNabb camp.) ”
The only thing that suggests is that McLane in fact DOESN’T have any sort of pipeline into the McNabb camp.

Znarf27 says:Mar 27, 2010 2:04 PM

FINALLY the TRUTH!!! These media guys “hear” something and float it out there, so people hang on their every keystroke for the next 5 days, to see if something new comes about! It is just about the most IRRESPONSIBLE reporting you can have!! These assclown reporters should be heald accountable , or at least be made to tell who their “sources” are! It probably wont happen though because they wont be able to print anything!! Look what happened with crybaby Cutler!!! Now it is happening with McNabb. All Reid said was that people were entertaining him with offers.. He wouldn`t be doing his JOB if he didnt listen to the offers!!!!

Gunther69 says:Mar 27, 2010 2:05 PM

The Eagles are listening to trade offers for all three QBs. That’s what Reid said. From there it’s McNabb to SF, STL and Oak. I don’t trust inside sources. They have an agenda. What it is isn’t always clear. There’s also just alot of people that want to stir the pot. None of the Eagles QBs have a contract beyond 2010 so what’s the hurry? I’d trade Vick and go with McNabb/Kolb as my QBs. If McNabb leaves next year wouldn’t the Eagles get a compensation draft pick from the league? McNabb has become a feeding frenzy with the media just like Favre was last year. The media doesn’t report anymore they make up stuff.

AB in Tampa says:Mar 27, 2010 2:08 PM

VaBthang4 is right
Mcnabb is in control here. No team is going to trade their 2nd-4th round pick, for a guy that’s not willing to sign an extension and can just walk away next year for free.
First the team has to be a team he wants to go to and willing to have a deal in place before the trade is even made.
That’s like someone hiring an employee that is going to move away after a year and quit vs the employee that is willing to commit and be in for their career. Ball is in Mcnabb’s court.

CrackerJackson says:Mar 27, 2010 2:09 PM

Bottom line, there is no real market. Kolb will be told to be patient for one more year w/ the promise of the job and extention. Vick will be dealt before camp for half a ham sandwich and a bowl of soup. McNabb will start the season with a very short leash.
Really doesn’t matter…..has the feel of a throw away season anyway. If they are better than 8-8 this 30 yr Eagle fan will eat his hat(s).

DaBeast says:Mar 27, 2010 2:13 PM

VaBThang says:
“THERE ARE ONLY TWO TEAMS that he’ll play for.
The Bears or the Vikings (No other contenders need him).”
Number 1-Bears have zero interest. Their path is set with Cutler, for better or worse.
Number 2-There are several other contenders who would cream to have a winner like McNabb at QB. Minnesota, He is light years better than Romo at Dallas (even though this won’t happen), Carolina Panthers (he’d make them an instant serious contender), Miami Dolphins (Ditto), San Francisco (Ditto), Arizona for Leinart and a pick (Ditto), Washington (Ditto & maybe even a super bowl), Houston (Ditto and a SuperBowl). Houston actually makes the most sense because Shaub is a vastly overrated backup and dud.
Bottom line is this. Donovan McNabb is one of the top 5 QB’s in the NFL. And he is just reaching his prime. All of those teams know it. despite what the naysayers say, what other QB other than Manning, Brady, Warner and Brees have played anywhere near his level over the last 10 years? NONE! THe Philly fans are fools for not backing up their best QB ever. He won and contended with them with complete dogs as playmakers (Thrash, Pinkston et al). Even Denver would be an instant SB contender if it had McNabb with Marshall, Royal, and the other receivers there.
But I would bet money that he will end up at Oakland or St Louis. And either team will become an instant Playoff team with him at the helm. Oakland beat some very impressive playoff teams last year pretty soundly. And they lost a few heartbreakers to poor teams that they should have dominated. The only thing that kept the Raiders out of the playoffs was a big LardA$$ QB who was more focused on the next stack of pancakes than the playbook. McNabb would run that fat TankA$$ right to Tight End or pulling guard where he belongs. The same can be said for SanFran. Put McNabb in that lineup of talented young players and look out! There is not a single QB in the draft that have even 10% of the potential to transform a team over the next 3-4 years like D. McNabb. The GMs know this. And he will be gone out of Philly by draft day.
I understand Andy Reid’s reluctance to pull the trigger on this. He has to hope that Vick learned how to actually play QB behind McNabb and stand ready to be transcendant, if Kolb stinks up the joint (which I predict he will). Philly fans will have no one to blame but themselves for pressuring Reid into doing this crazy act.

Pack_Attack says:Mar 27, 2010 2:19 PM

# doubldipp says: March 27, 2010 11:32 AM
so basically you don’t no Jack!! your just giving us something to talk about.
its a rumor site Einstein..if you reporting on official transactions go to NFL.com

manofsteel3 says:Mar 27, 2010 2:32 PM

Wow, are you really giving the AP crap for being wrong about something?? You’ve definitely never posted anything incorrect on here before.

thestan says:Mar 27, 2010 3:18 PM

Philadelphia seems to always end up getting nothing in return for their aging stars. Is this because they try to play the media? Is the fact the fans themselves diminish the value of these aging stars by being so negative towards them…
Ridiculous comment – three diff franchises/sports… Philly has nothing to do it…inept management is another story –
Phillies have flourished without schilling (after his own professfional successes after leaving) -I only hope that same is true for the Eagles. I could care less what happens to “5” – but would love for the birds to have a chance at being in 3 straight SB”s

jordanv says:Mar 27, 2010 3:36 PM

Oh Florio, you just don’t have much to do this time of year, so you play “grasp at straws”. This needs to get done as an Eagle and McNabb fan the team needs to move on, and he needs to go somewhere that he is appreciated.

MIKE says:Mar 27, 2010 3:45 PM

MAKE THE EAGLES KEEP HIM AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. HE’S A FREE AGENT AFTER THIS YEAR ANYWAY. THE LONGER THE EAGLES KEEP HIM THE MORE THE PRICE WILL COME DOWN. THEY’RE JUST TRYING TO GET AS MUCH AS THEY CAN WITH BULL CRAP RUMORS THE EAGLES ARE STARTING. I WOULDN’T GIVE UP TOO MUCH!!

McNabb fan says:Mar 27, 2010 3:52 PM

# Mooch says: March 27, 2010 12:49 PM
How are the fans running him out of town?
The coach drafted his replacement.
The front office is holding a public auction.
laeagle – the issue is progress, and starting Kolb this year accomplishes the longer term goal of rebuilding and competing in 2 seasons. To hold onto McNabb for a non-competitive season is silly.
WE ARE GOING TO ACCEPT FAILURE UNDER KOLB FOR AT LEAST 2 YEARS!!? WOW!! TOO BAD MCNABB NEVER GOT THAT TREATMENT.EVERY YEAR IT WAS SUPERBOWL OR WE HATE YOU.I GUESS KOLB IS “OUR” GUY.I WONDER WHY.THE EAGLES OF 2010 WILL NOT HAVE A WORST ROSTER THAN THE EAGLES OF 2001,2 OR 3.ESPECIALLY NOT AT WIDE RECEIVER.I WILL NOT BE LENIENT ON KOLB,REID,JACKSON OR ANYONE ELSE.EVER.SUPERBOWL OR HATE.

mastablasta says:Mar 27, 2010 4:17 PM

DaBeast= dumbass

Subzero says:Mar 27, 2010 4:19 PM

You know…I was reading another comment section on here, and someone was saying how the notion that McNabb was never embraced or accepted was “a lie” and how they’ve always stood behind him..etc. and McNabb’s a cry baby and people always pity him
But to be honest….I’ve been watching this for like 4-5 years now. People have been calling for McNabb’s head ever since Kolb was drafted…and many even place Kolb above him when he hasn’t shown anything. The names they call him are McChoke, McBlow, etc. etc. etc.
The truth is McNabb is a top QB in the NFL…and the only thing missing from that is a ring. The stats back him up, his winning record backs him up, his int % ratio back him up, I really don’t understand why people treat him so horribly. People blame him for every nfc game when he as hugely responsible for getting them there in the 1st place. The Eagles have never had a top running game, they have a 1 dimensional offense passing 85% of the time, their receivers until recently has been below average…actually for many years McNabb was the candidate as MVP of his team. I believe McNabb is capable of getting a ring. If he goes to a team with a solid run game, relevant receivers, I say he has a shot

jordanv says:Mar 27, 2010 4:23 PM

Okay he’s not gonna go to Miami (whoever said that), to even bring Miami into this disscusion is ridiculous!!

kinghill says:Mar 27, 2010 4:37 PM

I still say the Jags make the most sense. I’m not sure what they would offer, but they’re in the AFC, have playoff potential talent, an excellent running game and need to sell tickets. Don’t be surprised if this one comes out of the blue. Obviously this would be kept under the radar so as not to antagonize David Garrard.

Opie says:Mar 27, 2010 5:00 PM

@ Florio: so, now you’re throwing the people you used as sources under the bus? The problem isn’t that you post rumors from wherever you get them. The problem is that you add pithy comments that indicate that you actually back these rumors up and present them as some kind of truth of things to come.
Saying that, this is a blog owned by a big corporate entity that has to drive eyeballs to generate revenue. I’ve posted it many times, you are doing your job in that respect.
As for the jack leg that posted “not to post if you don’t agree with what you’re saying.” Well, since it’s a blog, I can add to it whether I agree, disagree, or want to call the person starting the post an idiot.
The other point is that the Eagles are driving the value up for the other qb’s on their roster. How much? No one knows for sure, but let’s assume that “some” other teams are wondering why you would trade DNabb, but hang on to Vick or Kolb. It’s safe to say that they are playing this very astutely.
DNabb will be on the roster and receive an extension at some point. Kolb (because he’s young and has shown the ability to play) and Vick (because “maybe” some team thinks the year in Philly was good for him and he’ll get back most of his speed) might be worth the risk.
At the end of the day, the Eagles are in a win-win situation, period. If they can draft a couple of real players, they will be tough in 2010.
Remember, they were 11-5 with “that” team! The one with Trotter starting, their starting LB out for the season, their All Pro RB a shell of his former self, their OL never getting healthy and then having more injuries, their starting safety in Denver, and more injuries to their LB’s than any other team in the NFL. “That” team somehow got into the playoffs. “That” team had a chance to win their conference going into the last game of the regular season……
The Eagles make a mockery out of the “experts” trying to figure out what they’re going to do….and that is very enjoyable…

Mooch says:Mar 27, 2010 5:19 PM

What an overly emotional post from this one…
“WE ARE GOING TO ACCEPT FAILURE UNDER KOLB FOR AT LEAST 2 YEARS!!? WOW!!”
Yeah, that’s what happens when you rebuild. And if you consider last year a “success”, I can only marvel at your low standards. And yes, it will take two years to fix the D and OL, no matter who is at QB you can expect mediocrity.
“TOO BAD MCNABB NEVER GOT THAT TREATMENT.EVERY YEAR IT WAS SUPERBOWL OR WE HATE YOU.”
He did. Fans were clamoring for him to replace Pederson, but Andy wouldn’t move him into the starting role quick enough for us. When the team struggled early everyone rallied around him. Guys like you probably wanted to keep Randall and never move on. Or keep Jaws and never move on. But we did move on. Because when you rebuild you cash in your assets and get young. You don’t squander them and stay old.
“I GUESS KOLB IS “OUR” GUY.I WONDER WHY.THE EAGLES OF 2010 WILL NOT HAVE A WORST ROSTER THAN THE EAGLES OF 2001,2 OR 3.ESPECIALLY NOT AT WIDE RECEIVER.I WILL NOT BE LENIENT ON KOLB,REID,JACKSON OR ANYONE ELSE.EVER.SUPERBOWL OR HATE.
It would be impossible for the Eagles to have a worse roster top to bottom in 2010 than they do now. Impossible. Andrews sisters, Trotter at MLB, FS spot, OL patches. It will be impossible.
You clearly don’t live anywhere near the city. And you clearly have no idea of what rebuilding entails.
You are a McNabb fan, not an Eagles fan. And the punctuation is so bad I can’t even understand what you are saying.
When you collect yourself, take down the McNabb posters in your bedroom, put them on ebay, and come back here and make a cohesive statement.

Mooch says:Mar 27, 2010 5:29 PM

“You know…I was reading another comment section on here, and someone was saying how the notion that McNabb was never embraced or accepted was “a lie” and how they’ve always stood behind him..etc. and McNabb’s a cry baby and people always pity him.”
That was me. He has been treated every bit as fairly as every athlete I have seen – in Philadelphia (where I grew up and have lived for the past 8 years), in NYC (where I saw Ewing get much the same treatment at the end), and in New England (where Red Sox players get KILLED by the fan base if they don’t perform).
“But to be honest….I’ve been watching this for like 4-5 years now. People have been calling for McNabb’s head ever since Kolb was drafted…and many even place Kolb above him when he hasn’t shown anything. The names they call him are McChoke, McBlow, etc. etc. etc.”
Untrue. Aside from 30 idiots who booed him on draft day and some people who post here, he is consistently hailed as the best QB in Eagles history. The Linc is filled with #5 jerseys. But you know how it is – because you watched ESPN for 5 minutes when he was drafted, and read posts on PFT. If you don’t live in this city, you have zero idea what you are talking about.
“The truth is McNabb is a top QB in the NFL…and the only thing missing from that is a ring.”
Aside from that, how was the play Mrs. Lincoln?
“… I really don’t understand why people treat him so horribly.”
Like, how? He’s been the starter for over 30% of my lifetime. He’s been given a decade and has’t got a ring. Now the rest of the team has dropped off, and is 2 years away from contending. Since the rest of the team is in the process of being rebuilt, why would anyone NOT want to cash in the team’s most valuable and oldest asset?
“…If he goes to a team with a solid run game, relevant receivers, I say he has a shot.”
So, as long as this ‘greatest’ QB has 21 All-Pros lining up with him, has a genius coach, a great gameplan, no injuries, he can win? Really? Name me one player in the history of sport who needed all of that to get it done? That’s what Rex Grossman needs, not a supposed HOF’er.
You bought into the pity party. I am sure McNabb feels better having you to defend him.
Again, I saw Ewing leave NY. Patrick Ewing was twice the player, three times the competitor, with four times the heart of McNabb. And he was dealt.
And don’t even get me started on Gretzky, Namath, or Mayes.

Mooch says:Mar 27, 2010 5:31 PM

If they would only let McNabb play with a jetpack and fly over defenders…then he could win a SB.
Why can’t the Eagles give McNabb a bionic arm that would let him throw the ball 100 yards on a dime? Why haven’t they committed to researching how to turn him invisible? If he just had those things, he’d certainly win a SB.
It isn’t his fault. It’s never his fault.
You people are soft.

DaBeast says:Mar 27, 2010 5:38 PM

Ah Mastablasta:
The last refuge of a weak pea brain. Name call with zero rebuttal. C’mon genius give us a few scenarios or facts. Or just slink away into your slimehole until its time to hurl another spitball.
Ya see! wouldn’t it have been simpler to just say, I disagree with DaBeast. Better yet, give us a few examples why.

WeaponX says:Mar 27, 2010 6:15 PM

5>4 idk about 7

DaOneWhoKnows says:Mar 27, 2010 6:16 PM

Has anyone thought of this one?
Bears will send Cutler to Washington for the
skins’ 1st round pick (#4) in 2010 and another 1st in 2011. In turn, they will send that 2011 #1 pick to the Eagles for D-Nabb.
I think this makes everyone happy! Not that anyone wants to see Cutler in the NFC EAST!

Route36West says:Mar 27, 2010 6:49 PM

“Eagles, many of whose fans generally are anxious, to say the least, to see McNabb get run out of town.”
I guess using the word many is technically correct but its misleading. Just because alot of Eagles fans want to see Mcnabb leave doesnt mean their the majority.
Most Eagles fans respect Mcnabb and understand what he did for this team and want him to stay. The problem is the fans that get the attention are always the negative ones. You never hear anyone in the media talking about how many Mcnabb supporters there are in Philly because thats not the interesting story. They know drama sells so they talk about the Mcnabb detractors on tv and the Internet.
And so because they never talk about how many Eagles fans want Mcnabb around and only talk about the ones that dont, everyone without a mind of there own and without the common sense to do there own research believes that the majority of us want Mcnabb gone. Even though its actually the opposite.
Take for example when Mcnabb was drafted. There was maybe 100 Eagles fans at the most there out of the 1 million + Eagles fans thru out New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania and probably 75 of them booed him. But still every time they talk about Donovan on tv they bring that up. As if a million + Eagles fans were there booing him when in reality it was less the .0001% of the fan base.
Now if you cant see the flaw in that then there’s something flawed in you.
Im not saying there arent those fans in Philadelphia that hate just to hate there are. But there are many more of us that arent that way. You also have to consider that alot of the Eagles fans that want the Eagles to trade Mcnabb right now dont feel that way because of Mcnabb. They feel like this team has done nothing to get better and actually have gotten worst this offseason. They believe with the team the Eagles have now that they can not win a Superbowl. Even if Mcnabb plays better then any Qb in the league. And because of that they think the Eagles should get what they can for him now before its to late.
Most Eagles fans that want the Eagles to trade Mcnabb realize that trading him isnt going to make them better this year. They believe that trading him now will give them a better chance in the future at contending for a title.
I dont see anything wrong with that.

JunkYardDogg1156 says:Mar 27, 2010 6:59 PM

# Subzero says: March 27, 2010 4:19 PM
You know…I was reading another comment section on here, and someone was saying how the notion that McNabb was never embraced or accepted was “a lie” and how they’ve always stood behind him..etc. and McNabb’s a cry baby and people always pity him
But to be honest….I’ve been watching this for like 4-5 years now. People have been calling for McNabb’s head ever since Kolb was drafted…and many even place Kolb above him when he hasn’t shown anything. The names they call him are McChoke, McBlow, etc. etc. etc.
The truth is McNabb is a top QB in the NFL…and the only thing missing from that is a ring. The stats back him up, his winning record backs him up, his int % ratio back him up, I really don’t understand why people treat him so horribly. People blame him for every nfc game when he as hugely responsible for getting them there in the 1st place. The Eagles have never had a top running game, they have a 1 dimensional offense passing 85% of the time, their receivers until recently has been below average…actually for many years McNabb was the candidate as MVP of his team. I believe McNabb is capable of getting a ring. If he goes to a team with a solid run game, relevant receivers, I say he has a shot
———————————————————–
Absolutely true. How many people here have to be reminded of Dan Marino. Everyone says the Eagle defense was awesome during McNabb’s tenure as QB of the Eagles. Awesome defenses find ways to win, the 2000 Raven defense won them a championship with Trent Dilfer at QB. The 2007 Giant defense won them a championship with Eli at QB. How many people would dispute Dono is better than both Eli & Trent? Very few I think.
The McNabb years of 5 NFC Championship games & 1 SB, no rings, rivals the Bills run of 4 SB’s, no rings. Those Bill teams were great teams but the Eagles team of the 5 NFC championship games are a better team & were there because of McNabb. Look at what McNabb has done with very few weapons, (especially with Fred-Ex & Pinkston at WR, LJ at TE??) McNabb gets a bad rap in Philly, the last 10 years wouldn’t have been anywhere near as successful w/o Dono. With the abuse he has taken he has always handled himself with class, Eagle fans are going to miss McNabb.

Mooch says:Mar 27, 2010 8:04 PM

Cutler goes nowhere, they sink or swim with that cat. They put their reps and jobs on the line with that trade, no way they pull the plug after one year and admit it was a mistake.
In theory, I get what you are saying and it makes sense. I just don’t see a group admitting to a mistake that big coming off the season they had.

Mooch says:Mar 27, 2010 8:11 PM

JYD – can you understand that the central argument for trading McNabb has nothing to do with his talents or past performance?
It is this simple…
McNabb is gone after this year.
He is worth a high pick this year, nothing next year.
The team has so many holes that, at best, it won’t compete until 2012.
By 2012 McNabb will be gone anyway.
So why not use McNabb to rebuild?
Let’s keep it to business. This isn’t a pro-McNabb or anti-McNabb debate. This is about facing that the D and OL have atrophied, and need to be rebuild on a large scale.
You either roll the dice (which the Eagles have already opted not to do based on limited FA signings) or move on and rebuild in full.
I didn’t make that choice. The fans didn’t make that choice. T.O. didn’t make that choice.
Andy Reid and the Eagles front office made that choice. And that coach, despite his flaws, has shown he can rebuild quickly. And he liked Kolb, so much so that he picked him personally.
If this team, talent-wise, were even equal to the one that lost to the Cardinals, I’d say go for it. But we aren’t even that good anymore.
That’s not all Donovan’s fault. But it doesn’t matter.

jreed says:Mar 27, 2010 8:32 PM

I think I just farted!

Opie says:Mar 28, 2010 11:03 AM

@ Mooch: I completely agree w/your outlined motives for trading DNabb. However, I don’t completely agree w/your assessment that the team has “so many holes.”
Another debate for another time, I suppose.
They have 2-3 holes on defense and 1-2 glaring holes along the offensive line. Hopefully, recovery from injuries and the draft will allow most, if not all, of those holes to be filled. If you can fill them, then you have a very good football team. If you cannot fill them, then your observation regarding rebuilding is dead on.

Ross says:Mar 28, 2010 8:03 PM

I think the Vikings make the most sense for many reasons. McNabb won’t leave them hanging about his intentions or skip camp. He gives them several years of solid QB play, something they can’t count on from Favre. If the Vikings let a McNabb deal slip through their fingers because of Favre, they will regret it later.

Kevin from Philly says:Mar 29, 2010 9:28 AM

Oh yeah, it’s the fans running McNabb out of town. I guess it was the fans who said the Eagles were “being entertained by offers” for him – no, that was Andy. The next time the Eagles listen to the fans on personnel matters will be the very first time. We were saying they needed receivers for years before they brought in TO. Shopping McNabb prior to the draft is a business decision by the Philadelphia Eagles and has absolutely nothing to do with what the fans here want.